Scholars & Fellows will participate in a 3-day opening program together with the Leaders near the White House and National Mall. FPI is assembling exemplary leaders, instructors, and practitioners to teach and discuss the merits of the nonviolence philosophy from a historical perspective; define principles and strategies; and identify their applicability to modern times, current issues, and everyday life. While in D.C., Scholars & Fellows will also have the opportunity to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, and other sites significant to the African American Freedom struggle.
Scholars & Fellows Program Key Stats
Carrying on the legacy of John Lewis and building a nationwide network of leaders.
5
Cohorts of JRL Scholars & Fellows
96
Scholars and Fellows
46
Colleges and Universities
Find Out More
About the Scholars & Fellows Program.
The John Robert Lewis Scholars & Fellows program is designed to cultivate a nationwide network of emerging leaders who create positive societal change through disciplined and unified efforts. This initiative is inspired by the nonviolent principles instrumental during the American Civil Rights Movement, which transformed the nation and the world toward greater freedom.
Each year, a competitive application process selects twenty Scholars (undergraduate students) and Fellows (graduate students or recent graduates) who aspire to be effective changemakers in civic life. Participants engage in an applied learning program centered on the philosophy of nonviolent social impact that John Lewis championed.
Why Apply?
To Study the Principles of Nonviolence
“This program has definitely changed my perspective in what it means to create effective change using the nonviolence principles. I’ve seen what can really be accomplished when we all work together to empower the community.”
Camila Gomez
— Cohort 1
To Join a Network of Emerging Leaders
“One of our speakers told us that the work that we’re doing and the reason that we’re all here together is to realize that there are a bunch of ordinary people everywhere doing extraordinary things. I’m really excited to continue to maintain these connections and build on the knowledge and the skills that I already have through my relationship with everyone here to continue this work in the future throughout my career.”
Lauren Tolbert
— Cohort 2
To Become a Changemaker in Your Community
This year, the trip to Alabama, really changed the way I view my role in society and the way I exist in this world today. I’m leaving here really feeling rejuvenated, really feeling a deep commitment to the work that I do in healthcare disparity and education policy.”
Ibraheem Hamzat
— Cohort 3
Program Outline
(2026 – 2027)
May 2026 (TBD), 7-8 PM Et Virtual Orientation Webinar Via Zoom
Scholars & Fellows will participate in a 3-day opening program together with the Leaders near the White House and National Mall. FPI is assembling exemplary leaders, instructors, and practitioners to teach and discuss the merits of the nonviolence philosophy from a historical perspective; define principles and strategies; and identify their applicability to modern times, current issues, and everyday life. While in D.C., Scholars & Fellows will also have the opportunity to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, and other sites significant to the African American Freedom struggle.
6 Virtual Conversations on Racial, Economic, and Social Inequities:
Program participants will join 6 two-hour sessions in September ‘26, November ‘26, January ‘27, February ‘27 April ‘27, and May ‘27 (exact dates TBD) exploring American history of race and public policy with policymakers, practitioners, and academic researchers. These sessions take place on Sunday afternoons from 3-5pm ET. Special guests – political leaders and subject matter experts – are invited to the discussions.
March 3-7, 2027, Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage
Scholars & Fellows will have an opportunity to join FPI’s Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage honoring communities of ordinary people who did extraordinary things to bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice.
Mid-July 2027 (TBD), Washington, D.C. Closing Convocation
Program participants will regather in Washington, D.C. for the final part of the program. They will have the opportunity to present their oral history projects, meet with their Senators and Representatives, visit the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and pass the torch to the new cohort of Scholars & Fellows.
Essential References
There are many rich primary and secondary sources that will come up during program discussions. We will provide a list of selected references, which will provide historical, philosophical, and spiritual context to John Lewis’ leadership and that of some of his close contemporaries. We encourage Scholars & Fellows to explore the readings, videos, podcasts, and films in advance so they will be able to engage more fully with our program guests throughout the course of the program.
Oral History Project
One of the most meaningful parts of this program is the opportunity for every Scholars & Fellow to engage in an Oral History Project. The goal of this project is not only to connect more deeply into the work of people in our own communities, but to learn through their stories – the challenges, struggles, opportunities, and triumphs of those who have been engaged in creating positive societal change. Scholars & Fellows will have the opportunity to present their project during the closing convocation in July 2027.
Testimonials From Scholars & Fellows
Past Scholars & Fellows have studied:
African American Studies Africana Studies Americana Studies Chemistry Communications Criminal Justice Divinity Economics Education English Environmental Studies Film Geography History Human Rights International Studies Journalism Latino Studies Law Medicine Middle Eastern Studies Ministry Neuroscience Occupational Therapy Peace & Justice Philosophy Political Science Politics Public Health Public Policy Social Justice Social Work Sociology Theology Women & Gender StudiesJohn Robert Lewis Scholars & Fellows
Cohort 5 Scholars (2025 – 2026):
Cohort 5 Fellows (2025 – 2026):
See and connect with past cohorts of JRL Scholars, Fellows & Leaders
Become a Changemaker
“When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, step up, speak up, and find a way to get in the way. You have to have the courage, the determination, to be an advocate for what you believe in”
— John Lewis
